Lot 1

French Napoleon III Ebonized Cave à Liqueur / Tantalus, Mid 19th Century

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French Napoleon III Ebonized Cave à Liqueur / Tantalus, Mid 19th Century

Estimate: $800 - $1,600

Starting Bid: $400

(0 Bids)

by Stevens Auction Company
July 11, 2026 11:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
129 E Commerce Street
Aberdeen, MS, US 39730

A fine French Napoleon III ebonized cave à liqueur or tantalus, mid 19th century, the rectangular case decorated throughout with brass line inlay, boulle-style marquetry panels, gilt-metal mounts, beaded trim, foliate corner feet, and a shaped apron base. The hinged lid and front open to reveal a fitted removable interior with four square glass decanters and a suite of gilt-decorated cordial glasses, each decorated with gilt starbursts and gilt borders. The exterior features elaborate polychrome tortoiseshell-style and brass inlaid cartouches on the lid and front panel, with conforming smaller decorative reserves along the base. A richly ornamented 19th-century French liquor cabinet with strong decorative presentation and a complete fitted interior. 11 in. H, 13 in. W, 10 in. D.

  • Condition: Good overall antique condition with expected age and use wear, including scattered surface scratches, rubbing, minor losses to ebonized finish, brass inlay, and gilt-metal mounts, and some looseness or wear typical of the form. Interior glassware complete, with four decanters present and a suite of cordial glasses; one cordial glass appears possibly associated or replaced. Scattered wear to gilt decoration on glassware.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,499 $100
$2,500 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $49,999 $1,000
$50,000 $99,999 $2,500
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 + $50,000